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I1-13. Thermal Expansion - Bimetal Strip

Purpose

To demonstrate differential thermal expansion.

Equipment

Bimetal strip with burner.

Images

I1-13

Description

Strips of invar steel and brass are welded together to form a bimetal strip. Because their coefficients of thermal expansion are different, heating the bimetal strip over a burner results in bending, as illustrated. This type of material is used in some types of thermostatic controllers.